Chapter 4, Chishan Town
The most significant port of Dengzhou is located in Penglai, however, Chishanpu in Wendeng is the closest shipping route directly connecting to Silla and Japan, historically bustling with activity. The Ziqing Pinglu Jiedushi government, which oversees the five states of Deng, Qing, Lai, Zi, and Qi, established Chishan Town at the foot of Chishan behind Chishanpu, directly under the command of the Pinglu Army.
After walking for almost an hour, Li Jing finally arrived at the foot of the northern slope of Chishan Town, where the white mist was rising all around.
Watching the common people stamping their feet to keep warm in the cold wind, Li Jing let out a long sigh. Although the people are struggling at present, they can still manage to survive. However, when Wang Xianzhi and Huang Chao rebel next year, everyone will be left with no way to make a living. Although it is remembered that Wang Xianzhi and Huang Chao's bandits did not reach Dengzhou, they once advanced into the counties under the jurisdiction of Ziqing Pinglu.
It is you! that person exclaimed in surprise
At this moment, the sun has just revealed half of its face, and the white frost on the ground has yet to dissipate. Walking on the frosty village path produces a muffled sound.
The one who called him is the second son of Wang the blacksmith, who runs a blacksmith shop in the village, named Xiao Shitou, and he is about the same age as him. Last time, Li Jing and his brother Li Yu went to the seaside to help Xiao Shitou's elder brother, Da Shitou, collect seaweed, which led to the incident.
At first, he did not pay attention and did not think it was calling for him. However, after the person shouted a few times and saw that he did not respond, they directly ran in front of him to block his path. It was only then that he looked up and realized it was an acquaintance.
The primary responsibility of Chishan Town was originally to safeguard the security of Chishan Port, protecting it from attacks and plundering by pirates and bandits. Additionally, it was tasked with the collection of customs duties on goods from ships docked in the port. However, during the late Tang Dynasty, the military officials in power became overbearing, and their presence in this area almost turned them into local tyrants, to the extent that even the county government had to consider their authority. The southwestern part of Wendeng had almost become a directly governed territory of the Chishan military garrison. Not only did the local populace conduct their trade in Chishan, but even in cases of disputes or legal matters, they would seek resolution through Chishan Town rather than going to Wendeng County.
At this time, it was still early in the morning, and the eastern city gate had not yet been opened. In front of the city gate, hundreds of common people had gathered. Among them, some were leading donkeys and mules, while others were driving large carts. More were carrying items on their shoulders or in their hands, most of whom had come to the town for trade. There were those selling charcoal, firewood, fish, meat, sheep, and pigs, among others. However, the majority of the common people appeared emaciated and pale, with thin bodies. Although their clothes were relatively neat, they were all patched together with numerous repairs. However, the majority of the common people appeared emaciated and pale, with thin bodies. Although their clothes were relatively neat, they were all patched together with numerous repairs.
Observing his cautious demeanor, Li Jing felt a mix of emotions. Although the last incident was due to the salt merchants and the unfairness of fate, it was evident that Xiao Shitou's family regarded it as their fault, holding it in their hearts and feeling indebted to the Li family. Ten or so jin of fish may not seem like much, but it was a sincere gesture. He said nothing further, smiled at Xiao Shitou, and lifted the burden.
"The entrance fee is two wen!" said a city guard, who was holding a broadsword, with his arms crossed and his eyes half-open, to Li Jing.
Li Jing first went to the cloth shop in the western market and sold two bolts of cloth, exchanging them for one thousand five hundred coins. He then went to the rice shop, using the one thousand five hundred coins along with a bolt of silk, and finally exchanged them for one hundred thirty jin of sorghum. This one hundred thirty jin would amount to over one hundred seventy jin in later times. At this moment, it also exceeded one shi. Li Jing packed the sorghum into two large bags, initially unsure of how to carry them back. However, to his surprise, when he tried to lift them, it was not very strenuous, and he couldn't help but feel astonished at his own physical strength. At this moment, it also exceeded one shi. Li Jing packed the sorghum into two large bags, initially unsure of how to carry them back. However, to his surprise, when he tried to lift them, it was not very strenuous, and he couldn't help but feel astonished at his own physical strength
Dengzhou, located in the coastal area of Shandong, is home to Wangli Village, which features the excellent harbor of Chishanpu. Chishanpu is an exceptionally good harbor, facing Japan and Silla across the sea, with a waterway that takes no more than three days. The ports of Guangzhou and Dengzhou serve as the two major maritime routes; Guangzhou Port connects to the South Seas and the Western Regions, while Dengzhou Port connects to Liaodong, the Bohai Sea, Silla, and Japan. These two maritime routes are referred to as the Maritime Silk Road
Sure, just let me know if there's anything you want me to bring along. Wang the blacksmith works in the city, rarely returning home for ten days or half a month. Now, Little Shitou is also in the city working alongside his father as a blacksmith
Due to the large number of soldiers and their families in Chishan Town, it gradually became the center of the southwestern part of Wendeng County. Although the Tang Dynasty stipulated that only counties with more than 3,000 households could establish a market, over the years, the enforcement of this regulation has become increasingly lax. Chishan Military Town, being populous and large, is also adjacent to the largest temple in Wendeng County, Fahua Temple, which contributes to its vibrant atmosphere. The town's military commander also holds the title of Town Supervisor, wielding significant power, even surpassing the rank of the Wendeng County magistrate, and generally does not pay much attention to the officials of the county government. He has established a market within the military town, and the nearby residents almost exclusively come to Chishan Town for their trade.
Still returning the same way, passing through the East Gate, and arriving at the East Weng City Gate. Everything went smoothly upon entering the city, but trouble was encountered when exiting the city
The town is called Chishan Town, but it is not a rural town of later generations; rather, it is a military town. Chishan Military Town is not far from Wangli Village, located right next to Fahua Temple at the foot of Chishan. Since the late Tang Dynasty, the system of provincial troops had already deteriorated, and the court increasingly relied on recruited soldiers. The central government had the Shence Army, while local areas had various military forces in the towns. Larger towns were designated as military garrisons with a military governor, while smaller ones were established as military cities, military towns, and guard posts, each with its own military officers and troops stationed in various locations.
Li Jing understood this as well; he had just seen that everyone entering the city, whether by cart or on foot, was charged two wen. Given the current price of two hundred wen for a dou of rice, this entrance fee of two wen was not expensive. Li Jing took out the string of coins he had on him and placed two Kaiyuan Tongbao coins into the bamboo basket in front of the soldier.
Li Jing stepped out, and Han Shi leaned against the door, watching his figure until it disappeared into the distance, before returning to the courtyard
Natural disasters have been incessant, and with the chaos of the soldiers, the number of bandits and robbers in various places has increased exponentially
Li Jing had breakfast and then set off to the town carrying a piece of silk and two pieces of cloth
After waiting for a while, the sound of drums finally echoed through the town, and the eastern gate of the city creaked open. As the drawbridge was lowered, the townspeople began to line up to enter the city
After entering the Wengcheng Gate, one does not proceed straight but instead walks approximately one hundred steps to the left along the city wall to reach the East Gate of Chishan Town. This approach is naturally intended to enhance the defensive capabilities of the military garrison. Even if the Wengcheng Gate is breached during wartime, the enemy cannot immediately rush to the inner city gate; rather, they must walk a considerable distance around the city wall, which provides the defending troops with time to organize a counter-defense.
"Scholar Ge, could you help me bring something back to the village for my mother?" Xiao Shitou spoke to Li Jing with a hint of restraint, partly because Li Jing had once attained the status of a county tribute scholar, making him a true man of letters in the village. Additionally, the last incident involving Li Jing's brother was also related to the Wang family.
Brother, wait for me for a moment, I will go get it right away. Little Stone dashed off in a flash, and after a moment, he returned, panting. In his hand, he carried a small bag, which contained some sorghum, weighing about twenty to thirty jin. Additionally, he was holding two large bunches of fish strung together with willow branches, each containing six or seven fish, with both bunches weighing around ten jin.
It is now late autumn, and the winter wheat sown in August has already sprouted. Most of the men in the village have gone to the fields. The villagers of Liwang Village used to cultivate rice, millet, as well as sorghum and soybeans, but in recent years, due to either drought or locust plagues, everyone has had to plant more drought-resistant winter wheat and soybeans. Sowing wheat in August allows for harvesting in May of the following year, which is just in time to plant another season of soybeans, millet, or sorghum.
Scholar is a title that many villagers use to refer to Li Jing, as he had previously devoted himself to studying and had gained some reputation for his talents. Consequently, the villagers regard him with a certain level of respect. The villagers only know that the scholar degree is the most difficult to attain in the imperial examination, and thus they believe that a scholar is the most capable individual. However, they are unaware that the scholar degree has been abolished for many years. Currently, the focus is on the degrees of Jinshi and Mingjing, with the Jinshi degree being the most valuable. Therefore, everyone calls him Scholar, yet they do not realize that the scholar degree has long been discontinued.
Upon entering the city, one follows the main thoroughfare between the East and West Gates. The West City is designated as a market area. However, the city primarily consists of shops and commercial markets, mostly dealing in wholesale and valuable goods. Generally, local residents come into the city to buy and sell goods, and they mostly set up stalls along this main thoroughfare. Selling goods on this street does not require high shop rents; one only needs to pay a small fee for the stall. The stalls are also numerous and not fixed, with early arrivals having the advantage of choosing their spots.
Li Jing also saw the visitor clearly and coldly said: "Not for sale!"
The Chishan Military Town is garrisoned by 3,000 troops, along with their families, making Chishan Town a populous and lively place. The entire Chishan Military Town has a nearly square layout, with each side measuring approximately 1,100 meters. To adapt to the terrain of hills and coastline, the outline is not regular. The city walls are made of bricks, with a gate on each side, each equipped with a barbican. There are a total of 7 gate towers and corner towers, and there is also a water gate at one of the river entrances. The main street between the east and west gates within the city serves as the main thoroughfare, with a drum tower built across the street to the west. The city walls are made of bricks, with a gate on each side, each equipped with a barbican. There are a total of 7 gate towers and corner towers, and there is also a water gate at one of the river entrances. The main street between the east and west gates within the city serves as the main thoroughfare, with a drum tower built across the street to the west. The streets inside the south and north gates are also main thoroughfares, but they do not run straight. The secondary streets are generally parallel to the main thoroughfares.
Upon entering the city gate again, there was no charge this time, but the number of soldiers guarding the gate had increased. Each person entering the city, although not subjected to a body search, was scrutinized from head to toe. If a stranger's face was recognized, they would be pulled aside for a brief inquiry. However, since Chishan Town had enjoyed a long period of peace, with heavy troops stationed, no foolish bandits, horse thieves, or pirates dared to make any trouble, and everything had become merely a formality.
"Stop, these two strings of fish are very fat, I bought one string for money." A voice with a somewhat overbearing tone sounded from behind.
"Scholar, this bag of sorghum is the grain from my home. These two strings of fish are for my family and your family, one string for each. I caught them all in the moat. Please take them back to eat," said Little Stone, with a sense of restraint.
Carrying a stone and multiple grains, Li Jing did not stop and directly followed the path back. On the way, however, he heard a shout from the street: "Scholar, Scholar, you have come to the town as well."
Although Li Jing was wearing a round-necked long robe with layers, it was not filled with cotton at this time, and the family could not afford a leather robe. The chilly morning breeze made him feel cold all over.
Little Stone, I am going to the city to exchange some sorghum, and I am just about to return to the village
Li Jing turned around and happened to meet the gaze of that person.
Originally, Han gave him a piece of silk and a string of coins to buy some paper, ink, books, and the like, but Li Jing did not do so. The family could barely afford to eat, so how could he still buy books and writing materials? It was already the late Tang Dynasty; could he really still consider taking the imperial examination?